Social Justice Initiative

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

A new initiative has started at Bethlehem. Strengthened by our love for all God’s creation and recognizing the urgency to act, a social justice initiative committee has been established to work for our goal to advance positive change in our church, our community, and our world. We invite all who are interested to participate with this committee—through education as well as action in the myriad issues facing us as Christians in our world today.

Opportunity to Serve

Share the Grace

Join us to Share the Grace on Sunday, May 28 from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. with a focus on alleviating hunger in our community through the Little Pantry and H.O.P.E.

Keep in mind the size of the Little Pantry and the goal of providing food that is easily managed by someone who may not have access to a kitchen or items for food preparation (think containers with pop-tops instead of cans that need a can opener; single serve and on-the-go items that can be eaten out-of-hand, and items that are easily packed and carried).

Needs include:

For Little Pantry:
– Nutrigrain Bars, instant oatmeal, small boxes of cereal, granola or protein bars, graham crackers, peanut butter
– Small pop topped canned goods including canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, pudding cups, tuna, chicken, Vienna sausages.
– Packaged snacks and baked goods like popcorn, muffins, crackers and dried fruit
– Donations welcome – cash or gift cards.

For H.O.P.E.:
-Bottled water or Gatorade
-Fruit cups
-Trail Mix or Nuts
-Small packs of chips or Pringles
-Beef Jerky

Opportunity for Participation

We invite everyone to participate with us. We meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom or in-person in the Fireside room. For more information, please contact Jane L (janelahman@hotmail.com) or Margot H (nordatter@gmail.com).

Date: Sunday, June 11
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81184599825?pwd=WmhMY3I3ZUxoR0lOWnMzMldsaDJjQT09
Meeting ID: 811 8459 9825
Passcode: SJI2022
To dial by phone only: 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 811 8459 9825
Passcode: 4026538

Immigration Focus Group

We meet every fourth Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. via zoom. To join, contact Cathy G. at cegood47@aol.com. All are welcome to join.

Next meeting: May 23, 2023

We explore ways in which Bethlehem can help immigrants coming into Denver (as well as other immigrant issues), and we’d love your help. Because of the current critical need, the group will initially focus on ways to help the immigrants coming into Denver.

Previous Opportunities for Education

Living Faith: Church in Society

Our first educational opportunity for Bethlehem members to increase awareness of social justice issues was scheduled for 2021; an eight week study from the Rocky Mountain Synod entitled Living Faith: Church in Society. We met Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. the end of April and through May before taking a break for the summer. We plan to pick up again in late September or early October. You can join this study at any time. Missing the first meeting is not critical for the rest of the series; each meeting is self-contained so do not hesitate to join for some or all. Topics include: ELCA Social Statements-Church in Society; Caring for Creation; Economic Life; Immigration; Healthcare; Race, Ethnicity and Culture; and Faith, Sexism and Justice.

Check out the class information at https://www.rmselca.org/living_faith to see what this is all about. If interested in joining the class, please email Margot H (nordatter@gmail.com) or Jane L (janelahman@hotmail.com) to be added to the class contact list.

Additional Information

Information Shared by member:

SJI Reading List
Casa de Paz Information
Information on Border Situation
Reentry Initiative